Changing trends with mandibular fractures: a review of 1,067 cases.

To evaluate current trends in facial trauma, records from 1,067 patients sustaining 1,515 mandibular fractures from 1979 to 1989 were reviewed. The greatest number of fractures occurred between the ages of 20 to 29 years. Sex distribution was approximately three males to one female. Altercations were found to have caused about half of the fractures, and motor vehicle accidents accounted for nearly one-third. Angle fractures were most common, constituting 26.7% of the total. The most common site of mandibular fracture resulting from altercation was the angle (39.1%); condylar, symphysis, and alveolar fractures less commonly resulted from altercations than from motorcycle and automobile accidents.